Author: Nova Ray

TORONTO — The sold-out benefit concert Harmonies of Hope, in collaboration with the Jamaica Tourist Board, brought vibrant energy to a chilly Toronto evening as attendees united to demonstrate their support for hurricane-affected communities in Jamaica. Held at the Meridian Arts Centre in North York, the concert featured a stellar lineup of artists, including Kardinal Offishall, Sean Jones, Quisha Wint, Jully Black, Mark Steele, Hardcore Band, and Renee Rowe. Each artist delivered powerful renditions of Bob Marley’s timeless classics, filling the venue with uplifting melodies and heartfelt performances. The primary objective of ‘Harmonies of Hope’ is to generate essential funds…

Discover Airlines is expanding its service with new flights between Calgary (YYC) and Munich (MUC). This development is expected to bolster Air Canada’s competitive position against WestJet, according to Canadian travel expert Rob Kokonis. The introduction of three weekly flights will cater to the growing demand for tourism hotspots such as Banff and Lake Louise. Currently, Discover Airlines already operates routes connecting YYC to Frankfurt (FRA). Kokonis pointed out that this new service is strategically designed to address Air Canada’s challenges in the Calgary market, especially after it suspended its own Frankfurt service in 2023 due to an aircraft and…

MS Roald Amundsen HX’s Acquisition: A New Era for Expedition Travel Investment Boost for HX HX, formerly known as Hurtigruten Expeditions, has recently been acquired by a consortium of investors, led by Arini Capital Management and Cyrus Capital Partners. This acquisition includes a substantial infusion of 140 million euros in junior funding, which is set to facilitate a new phase of growth for the expedition travel company. Enhancing Travel Offerings This significant investment will not only allow HX to expand its offerings to a more diverse audience but also promote the full separation from its previous parent company, Hurtigruten. CEO…

Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas has made headlines once again by skipping its scheduled port call at San Juan, Puerto Rico, due to unforeseen technical issues. This decision has left cruise enthusiasts disappointed, as many were eagerly anticipating a stop in the vibrant capital of Puerto Rico known for its rich culture, historic sites, and picturesque landscapes. Changes to Itinerary: New Ports of Call The cruise line has promptly modified the ship’s itinerary to include alternative destinations, specifically Jamaica and the private resort of Labadee, Haiti. Travelers aboard the Symphony of the Seas will now enjoy the stunning beaches…

Carnival Cruise Line has made headlines by prohibiting upside-down pineapples as door decorations on their staterooms. This decision aims to uphold a family-friendly atmosphere aboard their ships, responding to the growing concerns regarding the symbolism associated with these decorations. Understanding the Symbolism Behind the Pineapple The upside-down pineapple has gained a reputation as a subtle sign linked to the “swinging lifestyle.” This connection implies open relationships and non-traditional marriage arrangements. As a family-oriented cruise line, Carnival is taking steps to mitigate any potential misunderstandings linked to this symbolism. Carnival’s Commitment to Family-Friendly Cruises Carnival Cruise Line has long been a…

MOTIVATION & CONNECTION AT HYATT’S CONFIDANT CONNECT LIVE The recent Confidant Connect Live event showcased the enduring commitment of Hyatt Inclusive Collection to strengthen its ties with travel advisors, a crucial element for mutual success. Carolina Bellina, a senior director, highlighted the importance of these gatherings, noting that advisors frequently express appreciation not only for the recognition but also for the deeper understanding they gain about the brand. “The feedback we receive from advisors is invaluable; they share insights on emerging trends, our strengths, and areas for improvement,” Bellina explained. Additionally, participants get an inside look at the operational aspects…

Lindblad Expeditions has successfully rebranded itself under the prestigious banner of National Geographic, capitalizing on Disney’s marketing prowess to significantly enhance its global outreach. This strategic move positions Lindblad to not only broaden its customer base but also elevate its status within the adventure travel sector. The Power of Rebranding Rebranding is not merely a change of name; it represents an opportunity to reshape perception and connect with a broader audience. By aligning with National Geographic, Lindblad vs. benefits from a rich legacy known for exploration and education. This partnership allows Lindblad to tap into the robust storytelling of National…

MONTREAL — Air Transat has announced it has received a 72-hour strike notice from the union representing its pilots, signaling potential disruption to flights. The airline has confirmed that while negotiations are ongoing, it must begin winding down operations in anticipation of a possible strike, which could commence on December 10. The announcement came early on December 7, with Air Transat advising customers of anticipated disruptions and urging them to visit its FAQ page for updates. According to the airline, operations will experience interruptions until an agreement is reached with the pilots’ union. In its statement, Air Transat elaborated, “The…

Air Canada’s Aeroplan program has introduced an exciting new partnership with Chexy, providing members across Canada an innovative opportunity to earn Aeroplan points from essential payments like rent, bills, and taxes. This significant advancement means that Aeroplan members, especially those holding Aeroplan credit cards, can now convert routine expenses into valuable rewards. New Earning Opportunities for Aeroplan Members Effective April 15, 2025, Aeroplan members can utilize Chexy to make large, regular payments typically done through e-transfer, pre-authorized debit, or bill payment methods. This partnership opens up a largely untapped area for reward earning, allowing customers to accumulate points on everyday…

The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) has expressed significant concern regarding Mexico’s decision to implement a new $42 immigration fee per passenger, which eliminates the previous "in transit" exemption. This move has surprised and alarmed cruise line operators, who fear that the additional cost could deter travelers from choosing Mexico as a cruise destination. Implications of the $42 Immigration Fee With the introduction of this fee, cruise passengers disembarking in Mexico will now be required to pay this charge, regardless of whether they are merely passing through or planning to explore the country. This shift could have far-reaching consequences for the…